Stimulation of tear secretion

Abstract

A method and preparation for the stimulation of tear secretion. The method involves topically applying to the ocular surface gastrointestinal hormones and/or biologically active peptides and their precursors, derivatives, and fragments which activate vasoactive intestinal peptide receptors of lacrimal gland tissue. The preparation contains a peptide of hormone that activates the vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor such as glucagon or vasoactive intestinal peptide, a vehicle and may also contain an ophthalmic preservative.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of stimulating in vivo fluid secretion from human accessory lacrimal glands comprising the step of topical administration to the ocular surface of an effective amount of a preparation which includes a compound that activates the vasoactive intestinal peptide receptors of said accessory lacrimal glands, said compound selected from a group consisting a glucagon, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and their active precusors, derivatives, analogs, and fragments. 
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1 wherein said topical administration comprises infusion of said preparation to said ocular surface from a device selected from a group consisting of a pump-catheter system, a selective release device, and a contact lens. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 1 wherein said preparation for topical administration further comprises dispersion of said compound in a carrier vehicle selected from a group consisting of drops of liquid, gels, ointments, and liposomes. 
     
     
       4. A method of stimulating in vivo fluid secretion from human accessory lacrimal glands comprising the step of topical administration to the ocular surface of an effective amount of a preparation which includes a compound that activates the vasoactive intestinal peptide receptors of said accessory lacrimal glands, said compound selected from a group consisting of secretin, and its active precursors, derivatives, analogs, and fragments. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 4 wherein said topical administration comprises infusion of said preparation to said ocular surface from a device selected from a group consisting of a pump-catheter system, a selective release device, and a contact lens. 
     
     
       6. The method of claim 4 wherein said preparation for topical administration further comprises dispersion of said compound in a carrier vehicle selected from a group consisting of drops of liquid, gels, ointments, and liposomes.